Posted: December 28th, 2021

Master Thesis & Capstone Project

Master Thesis & Capstone Project
Handbook
Prepared by the thesis handbook committee
Version 4
July 2015 – Research Paper Writing Help Service
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Capstone Project
Handbook
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DEDICATION
This handbook is dedicated to all IUBH graduates and the successful completion of
their theses & project.
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Capstone Project
Handbook
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The thesis & project handbook committee appreciates all the contributions and
feedback which were received from the various IUBH departments and which helped
improve this handbook considerably.
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Capstone Project
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ii
Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………………………….iii
Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………………………………….. iv
1. Introduction – What is a Master Thesis & Capstone Project………………….1
2. Overall Process………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
2.1 Finding a topic for a thesis / project……………………………………………………… 2
2.1.1 Researching available sources for a possible topic……………………………… 2
2.1.2 Writing an outline ………………………………………………………………………….. 2
2.2 Finding a supervisor…………………………………………………………………………… 2
2.3 Supervision process……………………………………………………………………………. 3
3. Registering for the thesis / project…………………………………………………………….. 5
3.1 Who is eligible to register? …………………………………………………………………. 5
3.2 Registration Forms…………………………………………………………………………….. 5
4. Formal Requirements ……………………………………………………………………………… 6
4.1 Style Rules ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
4.1.1 Minimum Number of Pages…………………………………………………………….. 6
4.1.2 Font, Line Spacing, Type of Paper, and Page Numbering……………………. 6
4.1.3 Binding…………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
4.2 Layout of Thesis / Project Paper………………………………………………………….. 7
4.2.1 Introduction (includes the order of thesis / project)…………………………….. 7
4.2.2 Title (Cover) Page………………………………………………………………………….. 8
4.2.3 Acknowledgment (optional) ……………………………………………………………. 8
4.2.4 Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
4.2.5 Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………… 8
4.2.6 Lists of Tables/Figures, List of Abbreviations, Glossary …………………….. 9
4.2.7 Reference and Citation Style …………………………………………………………… 9
4.2.8 Main Body of the Thesis / Project ……………………………………………………. 9
4.2.9 Appendices………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
4.2.10 Declaration of Authenticity………………………………………………………….. 10
4.3 Deadlines………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
4.4 Intellectual Property and Circulation of the Thesis / Project ……………………. 11
4.5 Cheating and Plagiarism …………………………………………………………………… 11
5. ~ Hire our professional writers now and experience the best assignment help online with our custom paper writing service. We ensure your essays and assignments are expertly researched, written and delivered on time. ~ Grading of Thesis / Project…………………………………………………………………….. 13
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6. Colloquium Requirements & Capstone Presentation…………………………………. 14
6.1 Presentation ………………………………………………………………………………………. 14
6.2 Critical Discussion …………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Works Best paper writer websites, Custom term paper writing service and Research papers owl essays – Professional help in research projects for students – Cite d………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15
Appendeces: Sample Pages…………………………………………………………………………. 16
Appendix A: Sample Proposal ………………………………………………………………….. 16
Appendix B: Sample Title Page ………………………………………………………………… 19
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1. INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS A THESIS / A CAPSTONE
PROJECT
The thesis / capstone project provides students in master & MBA programs with
the opportunity “to demonstrate some originality in identifying a topic or a line of
argument and to follow up their insight with a more systematic piece of research work”
(Dunleavy, 1986, p. 110).
This thesis / capstone project handbook represents the first point of reference for obtaining
information on writing final thesis / capstone project at the International University of
Applied Sciences Bad Honnef  Bonn.
A thesis / capstone project is a piece of academic research that includes both,
theory and application. It involves thorough academic investigation of a topic relevant to
the respective academic field. Such a substantial piece of work can only be successfully
completed if (1) you are really interested in your topic, (2) you are prepared to become an
expert on your topic, and
(3) you are 100% committed to your research project.
The results of your research should contribute to the existing body of knowledge.
There are no IUBH restrictions concerning the research philosophy, research approach,
research strategy, research design and/or data collection method as these heavily depend on
your topic and the way you are addressing your research question.
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2. OVERALL PROCESS
This chapter outlines the overall process regarding the identification of an
appropriate topic, writing an outline, finding a supervisor, and the supervision process.
2.1 Finding a topic for a thesis / capstone project
You should choose a topic for your thesis / capstone project you are really
interested in. Finding a topic is one of the – if not the – most challenging steps during
preparing and writing a thesis. After identifying a topic, you should document your
intended approach to the research problem in an outline.
2.1.1 Researching available sources for a possible topic
Please have in mind that finding an adequate topic is not a matter of few hours.
You have to spend some time on that activity. Therefore, you should start as soon as
possible to look for potential topics for your thesis / capstone project and put aside
time for that activity.
Interesting ideas and concepts you have encountered in lectures or problems you
faced during prior internships or other work experience might be suited for being
researched within your thesis / capstone project. In addition, you can contact any of the
lecturers to get ideas for a topic.
Once you have a first idea about a possible topic you should do research by looking
for and reviewing current publications (journal articles and books). The library offers both
books and databases that contain many academic resources (e.g., EBSCO). Based upon a
first literature review you should specify your topic by writing an outline.
2.1.2 Writing an outline
An outline should give an overview of your thesis / capstone project topic. Usually
an outline consists of two (2) to three (3) pages. It should contain (1) a working title for
your topic, (2) a section outlining the motivation why this topic is relevant and suited for a
thesis / capstone project, (3) the objectives of your thesis / capstone project, (4) the
research methodology you plan to apply (e.g., a questionnaire-based survey1
, a case study).
An outline not only helps you to clarify and specify your idea. In addition, it facilitates
finding a suited supervisor for your thesis / capstone project.
2.2 Finding a supervisor
With the outline you should contact a supervisor. An updated list with all possible
supervisors is available in CARE (Administration/ Examination Office / Thesis
Information/ Thesis Supervisors). The professor you are going to contact should have his
or her specialization in a field that is related to your topic. For instance, if you have
outlined a
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1 see section 2.4 for details on the available queSTat online suvery tool
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topic such as “The challenges of brand management for freight forwarders” you should
contact a professor specializing in marketing. Another example: if you have outlined a
topic “Controllership under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) – how the
adoption of IFRS affects controllers’ tasks,” you should contact a professor of accounting.
The professor you have contacted from the list of possible supervisors will decide
(1) whether the topic falls within his/her research expertise. If not, he or she will
recommend colleagues who might be better suited for supervising your topic. (2)
Furthermore, the professor has to decide whether he or she has still capacities left for
supervising a thesis / capstone project. If not, he or she will recommend colleagues
you might contact.
In case you have contacted at least four (4) professors from the list of possible
supervisors and you have not been accepted by any of them, you should contact the prorector teaching quality (c.bornemeyer@iubh.de). Send her an outline and a list with the
four (4) or more professors you have contacted and spoken to (including the dates of your
meetings). The pro-rector will help you individually to find a supervisor.
Once you have found a topic and a supervisor you must register in accordance with
chapter 3.
2.3 Supervision process
Before registration, the professor has already supervised you in terms of helping
you to specify your topic and the elements of the outline. After registration, supervising in
general consists of (1) giving you feedback on the table of contents and (2) by answering
your questions that might arise while writing your thesis / capstone project. The formal
requirements you have to follow are specified in chapter 4. By setting up preliminary
tables of contents based upon your research you further specify your thesis / capstone
project. The supervisor will give you feedback on the tables of contents you are handing in.
If you have any questions concerning your thesis / capstone project, set up a meeting with
your supervisor. However, you should collect a number of questions before contacting
your supervisor.
How many times you are going to meet with your supervisor and any further
specific terms of the supervision process – except for those stated in this handbook – are to
be specified by your supervisor.
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2.4 Data Collection
As indicated in the introduction, there are no university limitations on data
collection methods applied. For those interested in conducting research online, the tool
queSTat offers a convenient way to conduct an online survey – either internally at IUBH or
externally. A small co-payment is charged for the use of the tool and implementation
support. It is highly recommended that you contact Andreas Kensik
(a.kensik@kensik.com) for details on queSTat in case you plan on doing a large scale
survey.
3. REGISTERING FOR THE THESIS / CAPSTONE PROJECT.
In order to register for a thesis / capstone project, the student has to find a
supervisor. A list of all supervisors available can be found in CARE. Together with the
supervisor, the concrete topic of the thesis / capstone project needs to be decided on.
Students may propose topics. On the other hand supervisors also offer different topics for
thesis / capstone project on a regular basis via the intranet or CARE.
3.1 Who is eligible to register?
Master degree students are allowed to enroll for their thesis if they fulfill the
requirements according to § 16 of the Master-Study Regulations– published on
CARE.
MBA (IB-60 & IB-90) are allowed to enroll for their project, if they fulfill the
requirements according §3 of the MBA Study and Examination Regulations –
published on CARE.
3.2 Registration Forms
Students will find all forms necessary for enrolment in CARE. Form 1 is the
official enrolment form. Be sure to use the form for Master-Degree / MBA students.
With Form 2 students must declare their legal eligibility for writing the thesis /
capstone project.
Form 3 states the topic of the thesis / capstone project and the date, when the paper has to
be turned in. This form must be co-signed by the supervisor. Also the examination office
has to co-sign this form in order to confirm that the student is eligible for registering for
the thesis / capstone project.
All forms must be turned in at the examination office.
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2.5 cm Master Thesis & Capstone Project Handbook
4. FORMAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Style Rules
4.1.1 Minimum Number of Pages
The main body of the text of the thesis must be 80 A4 pages. The main body of the
capstone project must be: IB-60 = 40 A4 pages & IB-90 = 60 A4 pages. Students are
permitted to exceed or decrease the page limit by a maximum of 10%. Any thesis /
capstone project which does not adhere to this requirement may not be read beyond the
limit by the supervisor and may be marked lower in the evaluation.
The first page for counting the page limit is the Introduction page. The Table of
Contents, Acknowledgement Page, List of Tables, List of Abbreviations, Abstract,
References, and Appendices will not be counted toward the page limit. Please see chapter
4.1.2 for information on how to number such pages.
4.1.2 Font, Line Spacing, Type of Paper, and Page Numbering
The thesis / capstone project must be typed using Times New Roman 12 point or a
similar serif font
3 cm 2.5 cm
on A4 size white paper. A sans serif font (like Arial 11 point) is encouraged for tables,
graphs, etc. for the purpose of clarity. The margins must be exactly 3 cm on the left, and
2.5 cm on the right, top, and bottom. Line spacing must be set at 1.5. Left or block align all
text. Only titles should be centered.
The Introduction page shall be the first page numbered in Arabic numerals, starting
with “1.” The preliminary pages (Table of Contents, Acknowledgement Page, List of
Tables, List of Abbreviations, and Abstract) shall be numbered in lower case Roman
numerals, leaving the title page blank (ii, iii, iv, etc.). The body of the thesis / capstone
project shall be numbered in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). Page numbers continue
through the appendix. The preferred location for page numbers is centered at the bottom of
the page. However, the student’s supervisor may consent to an alternate location for page
numbers.
A header and/or footer of a maximum of one line are permitted on the thesis / capstone
project.
According to APA style, the header may include the title of the thesis / capstone project or
if the title is too long, a shorter version of the title (American Psychological Association,
2007, p. 288). The header typically does not identify the author. However, the content of
the header and footer may be exchanged.
On rare occasions the student’s supervisors may choose a different font, line
spacing, alignment, or page numbering. In such circumstances the students should follow
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the supervisor’s specific instructions.
2.5 cm
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4.1.3 Binding
All students are required to bind in hardback two (2) copies of the thesis / capstone project.
All two
(2) copies will be submitted to the exam office. The exam office will forward the two (2)
copies to the first supervisor. In addition, the student must submit to the exam office, the
completed thesis / capstone project on three (3) CD’s as an MS Word and as a .pdf
document. One (1) CD will be forwarded to the library; the other two (2) CD’s should
be affixed to the two (2) copies of the thesis / capstone project. In some cases your
supervisor may decide on different requirements with respect to number of copies/ CDs
to be handed in – these exceptions will be marked on form No. 3. Irrespective of these
different requirements, the exam office must always receive a CD of the thesis / capstone
project.
In the event a student has been instructed not to share the thesis / capstone project data,
usually by a private organization, the student is still required to submit two (2) hardbound
copies of the thesis / capstone project and three (3) CD’s; however, the CD will not be
forwarded to the library for publication. In order for this paragraph to apply the student
must submit to the exam office, a signed copy of the lock flag form available in CARE.
Once this form has been received by the exam office the thesis / capstone project will be
flagged as “confidential” and it will not be released for viewing by other students or the
general public. The form has to be handed in together with the thesis / capstone project at
the latest. The cooperation partner may also use a letter on company letterhead requesting
confidentiality of the data; however, this letter must include paragraph 3 of the lock flag
form published in CARE (agreement to upload the thesis / capstone project in Turnitin).
4.2 Layout of Thesis / Capstone Project
4.2.1 Introduction (includes the order of thesis / capstone project)
In order to retain consistency of thesis / capstone project submission, the following order
of text shall be applied on all thesis / capstone projects:
 Title (Cover) Page
 Dedication (optional)
 Acknowledgment (optional)
 Abstract
 Table of Contents
 List of Tables/ Figures (optional)
 List of Abbreviations (optional)
 Main Body of Thesis / Capstone Project
 References
 Appendices
 Glossary (optional)
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 Declaration of Authenticity
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On rare occasions the student’s supervisors may choose a different order of text. In
such circumstances the students should follow the supervisor’s specific instructions.
4.2.2 Title (Cover) Page
The title page is the first written page seen by the reader. Other than the items listed
below, nothing else should be on the title page. It must include the following:
 Full name of the university (no abbreviations, even if logo is used).
 Name of degree program (no abbreviations)
 The title of the thesis / capstone project
 Your name
 Student identification number
 Your address
 Name of your first supervisor
 Date of submission
See Appendix 2 for a sample title page.
4.2.3 Acknowledgment (optional)
The acknowledgement page is used to thank those who have been of particular
assistance to you in the completion of the thesis / capstone project. You are not required to
include an acknowledgment page; however, should you wish to include one please note
the following recommendations. Remember that your thesis / capstone project is a
published document that will remain in existence for a very long time. Therefore, chose
who you thank carefully. Traditionally, students will thank their parents, their supervisor,
data providers such as industry partners or interview sources, and proofreaders. Your
thesis / capstone project is a reflection of your hard work at the university and the
acknowledgement page should not become a running list of all of your friends. Except
under rare circumstances, the acknowledgment page should not exceed one page (this
section may be single spaced).
4.2.4 Abstract
The abstract is usually one paragraph which summarizes the main aims, findings,
and conclusions of the thesis / capstone project. It should be approximately 200 words and
should not exceed one page.
It is recommended, although not required, that keywords be written under the
abstract paragraph. Keywords are three to seven words that let the reader know the topic of
the thesis / capstone project.
4.2.5 Table of Contents
The Table of Contents section should show each chapter and chapter subheading
along with the corresponding page number. It is not necessary to include all subsubheadings. The decision of what to include and how much detail shall be included under
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the Table of Contents will be taken by the student’s supervisor. In general it is
recommended to avoid more than two levels of subheadings for your thesis / capstone
project. For example, too many subchapters such as 2.3.4.5.1. are discouraged. The
chapter and subchapter titles shall be numbered accordingly in the text.
4.2.6 Lists of Tables/Figures, List of Abbreviations, Glossary
The List of Tables, List of Abbreviations, and Glossary sections are intended to
assist the reader in finding pertinent additional information. They are optional.
Traditionally, the List of Tables / Figures and List of Abbreviations are listed in the front
of the thesis, while the Glossary is listed at the end of the thesis / capstone project after
the Appendices. For page numbering of these sections, please see 4.1.2.
4.2.7 Reference and Citation Style
It is recommended that students use APA style unless directed to do so differently
by the student’s supervisor.
4.2.8 Main Body of the Thesis
The following is intended to show the usual content of the main body section of a
thesis / capstone project. Changes to the following order may be accepted upon approval
by the student’s supervisor:
 Introduction (usually called chapter 1)
 Literature Review (usually called chapter 2)
 Research Methods/ Methodology (usually called chapter 3)
 Research Findings (usually called chapter 4)
 Conclusion (often called chapter 5)
 Recommendations / Limitations (may be separate or combined with chapter 5)
The Introduction should include the overall rationale for the topic, a clear outline of
the aim and objectives of the thesis / capstone project as well as an overview of the
structure of the thesis / capstone project.
The Literature Review should include a critical reflection of the literature relevant
for your topic. Relevant literature should at least include the respective text books and
articles out of the relevant academic journals. It is up to the student to decide on the
structure of the literature review and on the titles of the respective chapters. It is not
required to include a chapter that is explicitly named “Literature Review”.
The thesis / capstone project should contain a chapter that outlines the applied
research methods.
Please refer to the relevant literature (e.g., Saunders, Lewis, & Thronhill, 2003; Churchill,
Brown & Suter, 2010 – Essay Writing Service: Write My Essay by Top-Notch Writer) for a detailed description of relevant research methodologies.
At least one chapter should be dedicated to a critical reflection of your research results. It is
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essential to clearly link your research findings to the relevant literature that has been
appraised in the literature review (please also refer to the evaluation criteria outlined in the
chapter “~ Hire our professional writers now and experience the best assignment help online with our custom paper writing service. We ensure your essays and assignments are expertly researched, written and delivered on time. ~ Grading”).
Finally, you should draw conclusions out of your research and derive
recommendations as well as list any limitations such research encountered.
4.2.9 Appendices
The Appendix section is used to present information which is too detailed to
include in the thesis / capstone project and/or information that is interesting but not
essential to the main thrust of the thesis / capstone project, such as an original copy of the
questionnaire, large tables, and scanned materials. Generally, it is not necessary to
transcribe and include all of the interview transcripts or all of the questionnaire responses
in case of fully structured interviews/ questionnaires. Often, in case of (unstructured) indepth interviews it is recommended to include transcripts. It is up to the student’s
supervisor to decide if the supervisor desires that the interview responses be transcribed
and included in the Appendix. Generally, questionnaires, transcripts or other information
in the appendix that originally is in other languages than English can be included in the
original language, however, the student’s supervisor may choose to ask the student to
transcribe the appendices into English.
Each Appendix shall be labeled as an Appendix and given a letter. For example:
Appendix A, Appendix B. The Appendix pages shall be numbered but not counted in the
80-page (master thesis), 40-page (IB-60), 60-pages (IB-90) page limit (see 4.1.1).
4.2.10 Declaration of Authenticity
The Declaration of Authenticity, which can be found in CARE, is required to be
included as an original signed page in each hardbound copy of the thesis / capstone
project. Any thesis / capstone project which does not include this form will not be read
or graded.
4.3 Deadlines
The master thesis students will have twenty-two (22) weeks, MBA students IB-60
will have eleven (11) weeks, MBA students IB-90 will have twenty-two (22) weeks from
the date of signature of his/her supervisor on form 3 to submit the completed thesis /
capstone project to the examination office. The submission must be done by the close of
business on such deadline date. If the day of submission (e.g., July 9th) is a holiday, a
weekend day or anything alike the thesis / capstone project has to be handed in the next
working day after the deadline. Exceptions to the deadlines will not be accepted due to the
student’s miscalculation.
Please refer to section 1.2 of this handbook for registration requirements. In very
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rare exceptions, the deadline for submission of the thesis may be extended. Generally, an
extension of up to four (4) weeks (for master students & MBA IB-90 students), two (2)
weeks (for MBA IB-60 students) may be granted to the student. In the event of extreme
situations, such as a serious illness or injury, the two / four week extension may be
further extended. The time period for this second additional extension will be decided on
a case by case basis by the examination board based on the severity and extent of the
student’s injury or situation.
Any extension must be requested by the student, in writing, on Form 5 available in
CARE before the original thesis / capstone project submission due date. Such form must
be signed by the student’s supervisor and submitted by the student to the chairperson of the
examination board. It is up to the chairperson of the examination board to decide whether
it will grant any extension of time for the thesis / capstone project submission. If the
extension is not granted the student must adhere to the initial deadline. In case of failure to
submit the thesis / capstone project in time the student will fail the thesis / capstone
project.
In the event of any extension of the deadline for submission of the final thesis /
capstone project, the student will remain responsible for the payment of the relevant
university fees in accordance with the decision by the examination board.
4.4 Intellectual Property and Circulation of the Thesis / Capstone Project
All thesis / capstone projects are the intellectual property of the International
University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef  Bonn. Before publishing your thesis /
capstone project or parts of it you are required to obtain the University’s written
approval.
If you cooperate with a company or any other experts you may provide them with a
copy of your thesis / capstone project if your supervisor agrees.
If your cooperation partner insists on confidentiality of the data provided or of your
thesis / capstone project as a whole you need the written confirmation of the partner to
receive a lock flag for your thesis / capstone project (please refer to section 4.1.3
“Binding”; the lock flag form is available in CARE).
4.5 Cheating and Plagiarism
Academic dishonesty is a serious offense against the academic community.
Therefore, cheating and plagiarism is strictly forbidden in any part of the academic
education including the thesis project / capstone project.
Cheating and plagiarism includes:
 Submitting the same thesis paper / capstone project paper in more than one
study program, course, or institution
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 Cheating on exams, including colloquium / presentations. This includes
referring to notes, books, laptop computers, or other programmable
electronic devices without prior authorization. The use of mobile phones
during colloquium is also forbidden.
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 Any form of plagiarism, especially failure in the thesis / project to acknowledge
ideas taken from others and the submission of work prepared by another
person. This includes total or partial reproduction of a text by an author without
indication of the correct reference or unauthorized assistance by others.
Academic dishonesty results in the student failing the thesis / project. Additionally, the
incident will be noted in the student’s file. If the offense is repeated the student will be
expelled from University. Though academic dishonesty may escape direct observation at
the time, it can be detected by coincidences of language, argumentation or result, either
with textbooks, or with other students’ work or results. If academic dishonesty is detected
after the mark has been issued, the student will fail the thesis / project and any credits that
he/she has received for the thesis / project will be revoked.
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5. ~ Hire our professional writers now and experience the best assignment help online with our custom paper writing service. We ensure your essays and assignments are expertly researched, written and delivered on time. ~ Grading OF THESIS / CAPSTONE PROJECT
A thesis / capstone project will be graded on a number of criteria. Most
commonly, supervisors will consider three main areas in their evaluation. These are a)
content, b) style, and c) formal requirements. A brief description of possible evaluation
criteria in each area follows:
a) The content element of the thesis evaluation will account for approximately
80% of the final grade; supervisors may consider such criteria as
 clarity of your research question and the establishing of appropriate research
objectives
 comprehensive nature of the review of literature
 command of concepts and definitions
 degree to which a praxis approach (theory-informed practice) was followed
 quality of source materials
 soundness of applied research methods
 degree of independent evaluation and/or original contribution
 distinctiveness of applications, conclusions, and recommendations
b) The style element of the thesis / capstone project evaluation will account for
approximately 10 % of the final grade; supervisors may consider criteria such
as
 language (precision, clarity, orthography, grammatical correctness)
 soundness of the argument
 structure and flow
 scientific (objective) writing style
 length appropriate to section
c) The formal requirements element of the thesis / capstone project evaluation
will account for approximately 10 % of the final grade; supervisors may
consider criteria such as
 accordance with formatting requirements of this handbook and APA or
other agreed-upon referencing and formatting style
 alignment of sections/outline with the general requirements
 overall presentation (binding, condition of manuscript)
 other formal requirements such as page numbering, inclusion of abstract
and, etc.
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6. COLLOQUIUM / CAPSTONE PRESENTATION
REQUIREMENTS
The colloquium / capstone presentation should be held after both the supervisor
and second corrector have concluded their reviews and within a period of ca. ten (10)
weeks from the submission of the thesis / capstone project. Students must enroll in the
colloquium / capstone presentation by submitting Form 4 to the examination office at the
day of the colloquium / capstone presentation before the colloquium / capstone
presentation takes place.
Students will receive an invitation specifying a date and time for colloquium / capstone
presentation. A student must not participate in a colloquium / capstone presentation if
not all of the requirements have been met, especially if not all modules have been
passed. At the beginning of the colloquium / capstone presentation, the student must
indicate s/he is in good health and able to commence with the colloquium / capstone
presentation procedures outlined below.
6.1 Colloquium / Capstone Presentation
Colloquium Presentation / Capstone Presentation usually starts with a student
presentation of the research project and findings. This presentation should illustrate the
entire research process from the origin of the research question to final recommendation in
rather broad strokes. The time frame for the presentation is 10-15 minutes so that only
selected findings may be discussed in greater detail.
Supervisors may require a particular presentation format and technology, such as a
PowerPoint presentation and/or handouts. As a general rule, the structure and means of the
presentation should be appropriate to the topic addressed. There are no universal guidelines
regarding the number of slides or the number of pages in a handout. As a rule of thumb,
someone not closely familiar with the research project (such as a future employer) should
understand the project after the ten-minute presentation.
6.2 Critical Discussion
During the following 30 minutes, the supervisor along with the second corrector
will ask questions that arose out of the printed version of the research or the colloquium /
capstone presentation. They may ask for clarification on methods, sources, findings, etc. In
addition, questions may be asked with the aim to verify the student’s knowledge of the
subject matter or the authenticity of the work.
Good luck with your thesis / capstone project!
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WORKS CITED
American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
Churchill, G.A., Brown, T.J. & Suter, T.A. (2010 – Essay Writing Service: Write My Essay by Top-Notch Writer) Basic marketing research (7th ed.).
Mason: South-Western UP
Dunleavy, P. (1986). Studying for a degree in the humanities and social sciences.
Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan
Saunders M., Lewis, P., & Thronhill A. (2003) Research methods for business students.
Essex: Pearson Education
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APPENDECES: SAMPLE PAGES
Appendix A: Sample Proposal
University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef · Bonn
Proposal (MM/YYYY)
Name: N.N. Supervisor: N.N.
Study Program: …
Working title: An analysis of the impact of “traffic light” food labelling on snack
food manufacturers
Overall Aim: This study aims at examining the food marketing tool of traffic light
labelling, analyse consumer perception of the tool and identify its
possible impact on snack food manufacturers.
Objectives:
1) To review relevant literature concerning general concepts in the area of
food marketing, consumer perception as well as food labelling.
2) To critically analyse consumer perception concerning food labelling.
3) To analyse German consumers’ and snack food manufacturers’ opinion
regarding the traffic light labelling system.
4) To develop a set of recommendations for food companies and
governments that addresses critical impacts of traffic light food labelling
and identifies possible alternatives to traffic light food labelling
Methodology:A quantitative approach will be used by conducting a survey
amongst German students who will be the future families. A
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Master Thesis &
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convenience sample being all students of the International
University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef  Bonn will be selected.
Further one–to–one qualitative interviews will be conducted with a
selected group of snack food manufacturers (n=4) to gain a wider
understanding of the impacts of traffic light food labelling on
industry participants.
Structure: …
Indicative Reading List:
Ahmed, A., Ahmed, N. and Salman, A. (2005). ‘Critical issues in packaged food
business.’ British Food Journal. Vol. 107, No. 10, pp. 760-780.
Baltas, G. (2001), ‘Nutrition labelling: issues and policies’. European Journal of
Marketing.Vol. 35, No. 5/6, pp. 708-721.
Batra, R., Myers, J.G. and Aaker, D.A. (1996). Advertising Get research paper samples and course-specific study resources under   homework for you course hero writing service – Manage ment. Prentice
Hall: Upper Saddle River.
Bhaskaran, S., Polonsky, M. Cary, J. and Fernandez, S. (2006 – Write a paper; Professional research paper writing service – Best essay writers). ‘Environmentally
sustainable food productiona and marketing. Opportunity or hype?’. British
Food Journal. Vol. 108, No. 8, pp. 677-690.
Bussel, G. (2005). ‘Nutritional profiling vs guideline daily amounts as a means of
helping consumers make appropriate food choices.’ Nutrition & Food
Science. Vol. 35, No. 5, pp. 337-343.
Davies, M.A.P. And Wright, L.T. (1994). ‘The importance of labelling examined in
food marketing’. European Journal of Marketing.Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 57-67.
Humphries, C. (1998). ‘A code of practice for food labelling.’ Nutrition & Food
Science. No. 4, July/August, pp. 193-197.
Jamieson, B. (1996). ‘Retailing – getting it right’. Nutrition & Food Science. No. 4,
July/August, pp. 14-18.
Jones, P., Comfort, D. and Hillier, D. (2006 – Write a paper; Professional research paper writing service – Best essay writers). ‘Healthy eating and the UK’s major
food retailers: a case study in corporate social responsibility.’ British Food
Journal. Vol. 108, No. 10, pp. 838-848.
Kotler, P., Wong, V., Saunders, J. and Armstrong, G. (2005). Principles of
Marketing. (4th European ed.). Pearson Education: Harlow.
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Master Thesis &
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Marshall, S., Bower, J.A. and Schröder, M.J.A. (2007). ‘Consumer understanding
of UK salt intake advice’. British Food Journal. Vol. 109, No.3, pp. 233-245.
Peter, J.P. and Olson, J.C. (2002). Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy.
(6th ed.). McGraw-Hill: New York.
Schiffman, L.G. and Kanuk, L.L. (2004). Consumer Behavior. Pearson Education:
Upper Saddle River.
Shine, A., O’Reilly, S. and O’Sullivan, K. (1997). ‘Consumer use of nutrition
labels.’ British Food Journal. Vol. 99, No. 8, pp. 290-296.
Tenbült, P. , De Vries, N.. Dreezens, E. and Martijn, C. (2007). ‘Categorizing
genetically modified food products. Effects of labelling on information
processing’. British Food Journal.Vol. 109, No. 4, pp. 305-314.
Turner, A. (1995). ‘Prepackaged food labelling: past, present and future.’ British
Food Journal. Vol. 97, No. 5, pp. 23-31.
Wandel, M. (1997). ‘Food labelling from a consumer perspective’. British Food
Journal. Vol. 99, No. 6, pp. 212-219.
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Appendix B: Sample Title Page Master Thesis
Master Thesis
International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef · Bonn
International Get research paper samples and course-specific study resources under   homework for you course hero writing service – Manage ment
Networking within the Bad Honnef Community
Michaela Schmidt
Student ID: 9051234
Beethovenstraße 50
12345 Bonn
Supervisor: Professor Dr. Krämer
Date of submission: June 1, 2010 – Essay Writing Service: Write My Essay by Top-Notch Writer
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Master Thesis &
Capstone Project
Handbook
Appendix B: Sample Title Page Capstone Project
Capstone Project
International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef · Bonn
International Business Get research paper samples and course-specific study resources under   homework for you course hero writing service – Manage ment
Networking within the Bad Honnef Community
Michaela Schmidt
Student ID: 9051234
Beethovenstraße 50
12345 Bonn
Supervisor: Professor Dr. Krämer
Date of submission: June 1, 2010 – Essay Writing Service: Write My Essay by Top-Notch Writer

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